Summer and winter tyres are engineered for opposite temperatures. Summer tyres grip best in warm conditions above about 7°C; winter tyres are built to stay flexible and bite in the cold. Using the wrong one out of season costs you grip and stopping distance.
Summer tyres
- Harder compound that's stable in heat for sharp dry and wet grip.
- Tread designed to clear water and resist aquaplaning in warmer rain.
- Lower rolling resistance, so better economy in summer.
- Harden and lose grip once it gets cold.
Winter tyres
- Softer compound that stays flexible below 7°C.
- Lots of fine sipes to grip snow, ice and slush.
- Shorter cold-weather braking distances.
- Wear faster and feel vague if used in summer heat.
Which should you run?
If you swap sets, run summer tyres spring to autumn and winter tyres through the cold months. If you'd rather not swap, all-season tyres give you a year-round compromise that suits much of the UK.
The swap is easy with us
We carry summer, winter and all-season tyres and can fit or swap them at your home or work across London and Birmingham, no garage queue. Book a seasonal swap.
